Panel Edge Profile with Enclosed Fastener Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container profiles for transporting materials, especially in industrial settings, fail to completely hide fastening means, leading to material catching and complex fastening operations, which can damage goods and require additional tools and parts.
Innovation Solution
A profile with a rounded upper portion, a lower portion, and a chamber that encloses the fastening means' ends, allowing for stable positioning and alignment without temporary blocking means, and enabling a single fastening procedure for both cylindrical and prismatic containers without a counter-plate or beading machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening means (bolts or rivets) are used to anchor the profile to the panels, then the profile is securely fixed to the container, but the ends of the fastening means protrude and can catch materials during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by creating a chamber within the profile structure that houses the ends of the fastening means. The rounded upper portion contains an internal cavity where bolt or rivet ends are received and concealed, preventing material from catching on these protruding elements while maintaining secure fixation of the profile to the panels.
2Ease of manufacture
If a counter-plate is used to support the profile during fastening, then the fastening operation can be performed, but the process becomes complex requiring additional parts and temporary blocking means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for counter-plates and temporary blocking means from the fastening process. The profile's lower portion is designed with a flat surface that directly contacts and is fastened to the panel, removing the requirement for additional supporting components and simplifying the overall fastening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single profile structure that performs multiple functions: the lower portion provides a mounting surface for fastening to panels, the intermediate portion transitions to the rounded upper portion, and the upper portion contains the chamber for hiding fastening means ends. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate counter-plates and blocking means.
3Ease of operation
If the profile completely protrudes beyond the panel edge, then it provides a safe grip and stiffening function, but it compromises the aesthetic appearance of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the profile into distinct functional zones: the lower portion has a flat surface for structural attachment and stiffening, while the upper portion is rounded to provide a safe grip. This localized differentiation of properties allows the profile to simultaneously achieve structural functionality and aesthetic appeal through its varied cross-sectional geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A profile (2) comprises a rounded upper portion (6) and a lower portion (7) and is suitable for being fastened onto an edge (3) of a panel (4a) by means of fastening means (5). The lower portion (7) comprises a first wall (7a) suitable for mating with the panel (4a) and a second wall (7b) joining said first wall (7a) to said upper portion (6), thus defining a chamber (8) that is comprised between the first wall (7a) and the second wall (7b) and is suitable to enclose one end (10) of said fastening means (5). Thus, the profile accomplishes an anti-catching function. The present invention also relates to a method for fastening said profile (2) to an edge (3) of a panel (4a).